Update A Record Without A Query?

Hi,

Don't know if this is possible, or if im being just plain stoopid:

Is there a vb command that will update a record without having to use a query?

My problem is this - I have an HR database which has allows us to add employees that are going to start. We then set their [Activity Status] from "Starting" to "Active". At the moment this is done manually, but what i would like to do is have this automatically change when the [Start Date] = Date().

The code i tried to use (but is obviously wrong) is:

If [Activity Status] = "starting" And [Start Date] < Date Then
Set [Activity Status] = "Active"
End Sub

Any thoughts what i might change "Set" to, to make this work?

Thanks,

Ferg.